Halal Butchers See Mixed Fortunes During French COVID-19 Lockdown

Adil saw the attendance of his Atlas butcher shop increase by "15 to 20%" during the lockdown. "Many businesses were closed and people didn’t necessarily want to go to large stores," explains the merchant to Var Matin. The grocery store Les épices réunies is experiencing this happy situation.

"The lockdown period was very beneficial for our business. With the large stores often being looted, many people came to shop here. Regular customers, but also new customers. The influx was real, made even easier by the drop in road traffic, and therefore an increase in available parking spaces in front of the store," confides Myriam, the manager’s partner. "At the time of deconfinement, no additional influx, but attendance has generally increased since the beginning of the crisis and has stabilized," she continues.

Dinc, the manager of Istanbul market, did not experience this flattering situation. "Attendance did not drop, but it did not increase either," he says. During the lockdown, "I saw a few new customers arrive but attendance remained low." Same observation since deconfinement. "If I had had a butcher’s section in the store, the situation would certainly have been different. But that’s not the case and I have to adapt..."

Things seem complicated for grocery stores. "The situation is difficult for everyone, but particularly for small businesses," laments Mohamed, who had just toured the grocery stores. This is why he now favors them over large chains. "I made a few purchases that I will bring to my children. And then, it’s here that we can rebuild ties, talk, exchange. So yes, tonight I will eat alone, but I leave happy. That’s the main thing," he rejoices.